Grammatically sound without errors of syntax or spelling
• Factually correct
• Properly cited in MLA style, with page numbers in parentheses; (you can
include a “Works Cited” page if you like)
• Organized into a logical sequence of paragraphs linked by transitions and topic
sentences, all in the service of a central argument stated clearly in the
introduction, and recapitulated in the conclusion.
• Most importantly, your paper must have a thesis / argument / claim, which
you make in your introductory paragraph. (An argument is not the same as a
description or a statement of intent. Merely stating that “this paper is about
XYZ” or a “this paper will do XYZ” is not enough. You must make a specific thesis
statement or claim.
times New Roman, 12-point font, regular margins, double spaced, with page
numbers. The paper should be between 5–7 full pages (!) in length (no shorter,
but also not much longer unless absolutely necessary). List your name at the top
of your first page
